What is General Liability insurance coverage?
General liability insurance, also called commercial general liability (CGL), can help cover costs related to common risks that many Louisiana businesses face, such as:
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Other injuries related to your business, except those involving employees
- Damage to someone else’s property
- Accusations of libel, slander or copyright infringement
This type of Louisiana liability insurance can help protect businesses financially in a number of different situations, such as:
- A client of a Baton Rouge personal trainer needs medical care after tripping and falling off a treadmill. General liability insurance could help to cover medical costs if the trainer is found to be at fault.
- A Kenner electrician accidentally cracks the drywall in a client’s home while running cables through the wall. General liability insurance could help cover the costs to fix the damage.
Louisiana general liability insurance can also help cover situations where you need to defend yourself against an accusation of copyright infringement, libel or slander.
Is General Liability insurance required in Louisiana?
While state law doesn’t require commercial general liability insurance, Louisiana small business owners should check with their city clerk’s office to confirm whether any local requirements apply. Some local governments may require general liability for certain professions or businesses.
Even without state or local requirements for general liability insurance, Louisiana entrepreneurs can still benefit from having this coverage. Business owners with CGL insurance often find that it has a number of advantages, such as:
Financial protection
Louisiana commercial general liability insurance can help protect businesses financially when a covered incident occurs. Additionally, small business owners may find that banks and lenders require this type of Louisiana business insurance.
Work contracts
Some clients may request a certificate of insurance before agreeing to work with you.
Proof of Louisiana general liability insurance is sometimes written into contracts. You could risk losing out on potential jobs if you don’t have this coverage.
Commercial lease agreement
Some commercial property leases require proof of a general liability insurance policy. Louisiana property managers may refuse to rent to you without this coverage.
Licenses and permits
Depending on your industry, you may need general liability coverage in Louisiana to get a business license or permit.
For example, general liability insurance for contractors in Louisiana is required. Commercial, home improvement and residential contractors must provide proof of general liability coverage of at least $100,000 to obtain a Louisiana contractor’s license.
See our guide to Louisiana general contractor license and insurance requirements for more details.
What types of businesses might need General Liability in Louisiana?
General liability insurance can help cover common risks in almost every industry.
Even if you run a Louisiana business with a lower level of risk, general liability insurance could help provide important protections. Property damage and accidental injuries can occur in most types of workplaces.
For example, if a bakery employee accidentally breaks a glass door while delivering a wedding cake to a venue, general liability insurance may be able to help pay for a replacement.
How much does General Liability insurance cost in Louisiana?
Many factors can influence a small business’s general liability insurance cost. Louisiana CGL insurance premiums vary based on:
- The policy limits you select
- The industry you operate in
- Where your business is located
- How many employees you have
- Your past insurance claims
Louisiana small business owners can get affordable general liability insurance from NEXT online in about 10 minutes. Half of our U.S. customers pay $45 or less per month for this type of coverage.**
Learn more about general liability insurance costs.
How NEXT Insurance helps Louisiana businesses
NEXT provides Louisiana general liability insurance policies designed for small businesses and self-employed workers.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get a quote, review your coverage options, choose your policies and download a certificate of insurance.
Start an instant quote online today.
Our team of licensed insurance advisors is standing by to assist you if you have any questions along the way.
